RESIDENTS are calling for safety measures to be put in place at Egham’s level crossings in light of recent incidents.

In the past 10 months there have been three cases of barriers failing to operate properly and three cases of lorries hitting the level crossing barriers as they lowered – two in the space of three days, last week.

The spate of incidents, the majority at the Pooley Green level crossing, the busiest of Egham’s three crossings, have prompted concerns from the Egham Chamber of Commerce who fear plans for gravel extraction in the town would lead to even more traffic using the same crossing, and further incidents.

Chamber secretary Meher Oliaji said: “Network Rail has been insisting for years that the crossing is safer because of their full barriers, but we see here that frustration about delays is increasing the risks of drivers behaving badly. If 300 lorries a day of gravel are also using our roads, what will happen doesn’t bear thinking about.

“We need the crossings replaced by a tunnel or bridge. It is a great pity our MP is not pushing harder for legislation to make Network Rail financially responsible for the delays that level crossings cause, because that way they would pay for the tunnel.”

Just two weeks ago, Surrey Police, in a joint operation with British Transport Police, fined nine drivers who tried to skip over the crossings during a campaign targeting antisocial driving at Thorpe Road and Pooley Green’s crossings.

Egham resident, Dan Maulder, 38, of Thorpe Lea Road, said: “The police operations don’t address the core issue, which is the level crossings and the huge level of frustration they create. It’s not just two minutes wasted – it’s usually much more – but also the pollution, cost, risks and exclusion they create.

“The only way to sort out this problem is to reduce the waiting time or replace the level crossings. These new incidents are just another example that these crossings are a disaster waiting to happen.

“Nothing is done to address the issue and Network Rail doesn’t have the courage to meet with residents. And now Surrey County Council is proposing to increase lorry traffic with their new plans for mineral extractions.”

Runnymede Neighbourhood Inspector Roger Nield called the recent incidents ‘disappointing’ and ‘unusual’. He urged motorists not to put their lives and the lives of others at risk when using crossings.

A spokesman for Network Rail said: “As our roads and railways continue to get busier, the amount of time motorists spend waiting at level crossings has risen too.

“Where level crossings remain, motorists must play their part and respect the rules of the road. Level crossings are there to keep people safe; we have no interest in keeping the barriers down for any longer than is absolutely necessary.”